Jane Audrey-Neuhauser was born and raised in NYC and has spent most of her adult life in the Boston area.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Mt. St. Vincent and a Masters in Theology and Religious Education from Boston College.  When Jane worked as a DRE, her team developed the two-year high school Confirmation program, which became the standard for the Boston Archdiocese.  Other parish involvements included: Parish Council President, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Sacramental Preparation Team and folk group member.  Jane is an active member of several independent Catholic Communities: The Spirit of Life and The People of the Promise in the Boston area, and, as a “snowbird”, St. Dorothy’s Catholic Community in Orlando, FL during the winter months.  She is active in the local food banks in both states and is a Reiki Master and End-of-Life Doula.

Professionally, Jane was a middle school teacher for 17 years and was selected by Massachusetts and the National Science Foundation for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching.  Now in her retirement years, she also manages to find time to chase after grandkids and golf balls!  Jane is available to preside at Liturgies and offer Sacraments in both MA and FL. 

Professional Title: Rev. Jane Audrey-Neuhauser

Location: Marlboro, MA

Ordained Deacon: 2019 | Ordained Priest: 2021

Barbara A. Beadles is a member of the pastoral team of Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in central Maryland. She enjoys creating and presiding at liturgical and non-liturgical ceremonies celebrating transitions of life. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Global University; a Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Thomas More College. She holds certificates in spiritual direction and Companioning the Dying: Fully Opening to the Living. She lives with her husband Jim in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015

Professional Title: Rev. Doctor

Location: Silver Spring, Maryland

Community: Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community

Community Contact: livingwatercommunity@comcast.net

Meeting Format: In person

Website/Social: Living Water I C C

Dr. Janet Buchanan is a Benedictine monk whose daily life of communal prayer has led her to deeply long for a world where love transforms all that needs to be healed. She shares a rich community life with the members of St. Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a dispersed, ecumenical monastic community of women and men.

For over 30 years, she worked as a healthcare executive in roles focusing on the mission and ministry of faith-based organizations. Her sometimes unconventional thinking flourished in each newly created position, giving her the opportunity to build a big-picture vision and lead dynamic teams. 

Dr. Buchanan holds graduate degrees in Theology and Business and too many certifications to count (and why would you). As a first generation college-student, she relishes opportunities to mentor young people and encourage and walk alongside emerging leaders.

When she isn’t reading, learning something new (currently working on certificate number ?), or enjoying a multitude of other hobbies; Janet loves spending time with her close-knit family. She is an avid genealogist who is fascinated by the history of her six generations of Texas ancestors, recognizing she is the result of the love of hundreds. Janet and her wife of over 30 years, call the southern Pennsylvania foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains home.

Professional Title: Rev. Janet Buchanan

Location: Fairfield, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2024 | Ordained Priest: 2025

Called to ministry at age seven, Donna Burke told her mother that she wanted to be a priest. That calling was realized when she was ordained a deacon in 2016 and a priest with Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) in 2017.

A lifelong Catholic, Donna attended Catholic elementary and high schools in Fall River, Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.

Donna lives in Amherst, New Hampshire, with her wife, Sue. Within RCWP, she serves as President of the Board of Directors’ Circle and Regional Administrator for the Eastern Region.

Professional Title: Rev. Donna E. Burke

Location: Amherst, New Hampshire, USA

Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2017

Gloria Carpeneto, Ph.D., is a spiritual director, labyrinth facilitator, Reiki Master, writer, and teacher. In the late 90’s, Gloria conducted her doctoral dissertation research on the embodiment of spirituality in women. Since that time, she has ministered primarily with women – individually and in groups.

Gloria has served as Pastoral Associate for Holistic Health Ministry in two Roman Catholic faith communities. She has taught Psychology, Nursing, and Early Childhood Education at Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University), and has served as advisor on doctoral students’ dissertation committees at University of MD College Park. Gloria’s Ph.D. is in Human Development, and her D. Min. is in Spiritual Direction with a research focus on Ignatian Spirituality in Everyday Living. She founded and served as Executive Director of the FRIENDS of the Northeast Interfaith Peace Garden, a community garden and labyrinth located in an urban setting, dedicated to interfaith peacemaking. Together with Andrea Johnson, Gloria currently co-pastors the Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in Baltimore MD.

Gloria was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in Boston MA on July 20, 2008, and lives in Baltimore MD with Myles, her husband of 50 years. Myles & Gloria are the parents of Robin and Penelope; grandparents to Prema, Uriah, Venus and Salvador; and great grandparents to Zyra and Ariah.

Professional Title: Rev. Gloria Carpeneto

Location: Baltimore, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2007 | Ordained Priest: 2008

Rev. Marie David, M.Ed., Reiki Master/Teacher, has more than 30 years of experience in Catholic education, spirituality, and parish ministry. From 2002–2017, she and her husband, Jim, served as directors of Evensong Retreat & Spirituality Center and co-pastors of St. Mary of Magdala Church. Following the sale of the retreat center in 2017, they continued their ministry as co-pastors of St. Mary of Magdala Church in Harwich, Massachusetts, until 2022.

Marie is the mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three grandchildren. Her ministries include women’s spirituality and wellness, Reiki treatments and training, spiritual direction, and retreat leadership.

Professional Title: Rev. Marie David

Location: Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA

Ordained Deacon: 2004 | Ordained Priest: 2005

Rev. Sharon Dickinson has a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and is the Director of Spiritual Care at Salem Hospital, Salem, MA. Her priestly ordination was April 23, 2016. Sharon is the main preacher, presider and pastor for the People of the Promise, an open and affirming Catholic community founded in 1972. Visit us at https://www.peopleofthepromise.org/.

Rev. Sharon is available for sacramental ministry, spiritual direction, and pastoral counseling. To join the community, which has been gathering every Sunday at 10am for Mass on Zoom since March 2020, send Rev. Sharon an email at RevSharonDickinson@yahoo.com. Our liturgy is intentional in its attention to inclusiveness and also traditional Catholic language.

Professional Title: Rev. Sharon Dickinson

Location: Bedford, MA

Ordained Deacon: 2015 | Ordained Priest: 2016

Eileen McCafferty DiFranco has lived most of her life in Philadelphia. Ordained a Roman Catholic Womanpriest in 2006, she, along with other parishioners, founded the Community of St. Mary Magdalene in 2007. The parish meets every Sunday in person and on zoom and provides numerous educational opportunities during the year.

As a worker priest, Eileen served the children of Philadelphia as a school nurse for twenty-five years before retiring. She is the author of the 2017 book, How to Keep Your Parish Alive which provides a blueprint for founding intentional Eucharistic communities and The Cost of Sainthood, which offers a critique of those the church labels as holy, published in 2024. DiFranco is a regular columnist for Southeastern Pennsylvania Women’s Ordination Conference newsletter “Equal wRites.”

Eileen has a Master of Divinity from United (formerly the Lutheran) Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. She has been married to Larry DiFranco for fifty-two years, is the mother of four adult children, and the grandmother of seven.

Professional Title: Rev. Eileen DiFranco

Location: Flourtown, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2006 | Ordained Priest: 2006

For twenty years, I was a member of a Religious Congregation that focused on Religious Education for those at the margins. Ministry was offered through visiting every home within the parish to which I was assigned, and not only the homes of Roman Catholic parishioners. As a religious, I was assigned to a different Mission every two years. I served in  Cambridge MD, South San Antonio TX, Belle, WV, Grand Junction, CO, Trenton, NJ, and finally in several parishes in the barrios outside San Juan and Santurce, Puerto Rico. At the end of my life in Religious Community, I graduated with my BS SS from Loyola College, Baltimore MD. Building a home and a family in North Baltimore County, I became a member of the Parish Council in 1976, and served as Representative of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) on that Council.

Since that time, and up until the present (2017), I have been engaged in the Religious Education activities of my parish, especially those which impinged upon Women’s Reproductive Rights, GLBTQ understanding, and Ordination of Women. I have been a widow since 2002, have three adult children, all married, and two grandchildren. My spiritual life is nourished by membership in the Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community, pastored by RCWP Priests.

Professional Title: Rev. Erma Durkin

Location: Bel Air, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2018

Rev. D. Alexandra Dyer is a Roman Catholic Womanpriest, spiritual director, executive leader, consultant, and advocate for justice whose ministry joins sacramental inclusion with organizational stewardship. Ordained in apostolic succession to the priesthood in Roman Catholic Womenpriests on May 10, 2014, she served as Priest of St. Praxedis Inclusive Roman Catholic Community and later as Chief Financial Officer and National Board Member of Roman Catholic Womenpriests. She is also a commissioned clergy member of the Federation of Christian Ministries and a member of Spiritual Directors International.

Her formation includes a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from The General Theological Seminary, a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, cum laude, from Barnard College, Columbia University, an MBA from Western Governors University, executive MBA (MDPE) study at Columbia Business School, and doctoral (D.Min.) studies beginning at Global Ministries University in 2026.

Across more than four decades, Alexandra has led and advised mission-driven organizations in human services, harm reduction, affordable housing, health care, youth development, the arts, community revitalization, finance, governance, compliance, enterprise risk management, and change leadership. Her service has consistently centered dignity, accountability, and systems that sustain human flourishing.

As a Roman Catholic Womanpriest, Alexandra understands ordained ministry as a call to sacramental justice, conscience formation, and faithful public witness. Her theological formation, spiritual practice, executive competence, and lifelong advocacy equip her to work for women’s ordination and the full participation of women and all baptized persons in the life, leadership, and sacramental ministry of the Roman Catholic Church.

Professional Title: Reverend

Location: St. Albans, NY

Ordained Deacon: 2013 | Ordained Priest: 2014

In 2018, when I said yes to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to becoming ordained as a deacon and then the invitation of the Spirit to being ordained priest in 2019, I used the song, “The Summons” and the question in the song was “and never be the same?” I am not the same in my ministry, and as a RCWP priest my various ministries have changed me. Each day I try to live out the vision of RCWP. I served on the Board of Directors as recording secretary from 2019-2023, I have welcomed all priests and families and guests of the women being ordained since I was a candidate. I was on the retreat team for three years. In the fall of 2024, I was asked by the Board of Directors if Myself and my wife would be the new archivists for RCWP.  We both said yes. We trained with Judith McKloskey and became the archivists in July 2025. It is in the spirit of humbleness that I serve as the Archivist. I have two master’s degrees, one in Early Childhood Education and the other is in Theology and Pastoral Care. I am a certified Life Coach, which incorporates so much of our vision. I have worked with the poor in various ministries since 1998 when I moved to Maryland.

Professional Title: Rev. Leslie Frances Handy

Location: Baltimore, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2017 | Ordained Priest: 2019

Norma (Keefe) Harrington felt God’s call as an eighteen year old but was unable to respond until 2006 when she learned of the women’s ordination movement. A cradle Catholic, educated by a traditional order of religious sisters, Norma has been active in parish work in Michigan where she grew up, and in the Boston area as well. Married to Jim for forty-six+ years, Norma is the mother of three and also a grandmother. She has a Masters degree in Nursing and is a semi-retired Hospice Nurse. She received a Masters degree in Theological Studies in 2012, specializing in feminist theology. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, yoga, running and reading.

Professional Title: Rev. Norma Harrington

Location: Wapole, MA

Ordained Priest: 2015

Andrea M. Johnson M. Div., a former program officer in international education exchange with the Senior Fulbright Scholars’ Program, has worked for many years, and in several dioceses, as a religious educator at the adult and secondary levels. In the 1980’s, she served for two years as a parish life director in a priestless parish of the military diocese. Always active in her parish communities, she served from 2004-2006 on the pastoral council of her current parish, as president during the second year of her term. An active member of the Women’s Ordination Conference since 1984, she served that organization as executive director from 1996-2000. Andrea’s educational background includes a BA in French from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, an MA in diplomacy and international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, and an M.Div. from Global Ministries University. Her particular interest is ministry with marginalized and underserved Catholics. 

Professional Title: Rev. Andrea M. Johnson M. Div

Location: Annapolis, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2006 | Ordained Priest: 2007 | Bishop: 2009 | Bishop Emerita: 2019

Caryl Conroy Johnson is involved in pastoral and interfaith ministry.  She co-pastors the St. Mary Magdalene Community, an intentional catholic community in Drexel Hill, PA and is a member of the Upper Darby Ministerium.  She is also a spiritual director and leads retreats and theological reflection groups.  For 15 years Caryl had served as Pastoral Associate at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Springfield, PA, working in bereavement, ministry to the sick, youth ministry, worship, and interfaith events.  Prior to that she was a CYO basketball coach and was involved in liturgical ministries and marriage preparation.  She has a M. A. in Religious Studies, St. Charles Seminary and a M. S. in Spiritual Direction, Neumann University.  She is happily married with 3 adult children.  Caryl has published the story of her call to priesthood “My Journey into Freedom” available on Amazon.com. 

Professional Title: Rev. Caryl Conroy Johnson

Location: Media, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2010 | Ordained Priest: 2011

Patricia Shannon Jones has a Master’s Degree in Adulthood and Aging Studies from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is a registered nurse and retired nursing home administrator in the State of Maryland. She has completed the Parish Nursing Certificate Program at the Ecumenical Institute (EI) of Saint Mary’s Seminary and University, and continues to pursue courses in Pastoral Care at the EI. Pat has more than 20 years experience in the development and management of research projects. During her research career, she worked at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, an International Clinical Research Organization, ran her own clinical trials management company, and worked as a consultant with the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology where she was responsible for operational support of an institutional strengthening grant in Haiti. In addition, Pat has spent the last two years working with immigrant families through the Immigration Outreach Service Center (IOSC) in the St. Matthew Church community in Baltimore city. She assumed the role of Director in 2013. She has led the IOSC in the development of new programs and has spent the past year organizing the local immigrant community to build power in the community in order to take action on important issues that affect immigrants in the Baltimore area and the region. 

Professional Title: Rev. Pat Shannon Jones

Location: Essex, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015

Celie Katovitch holds dual standing as an RCWP priest and a Unitarian Universalist minister. She currently serves as the pastor of Mary Magdalene Church in Fairport, NY.

Professional Title: Rev. Celie Katovitch

Location: Fairport, NY

Ordained Priest: 2016

Rev. Patti LaRosa lives in Rochester, NY. She was active for 10 years with the Dignity-Integrity Group for the LGBTQIA+ community as Chaplain. She also preacher and presided in rotation with other ministers.

She currently provides preaching and presiding assistance at Spiritus Christi Church. Patti is considering training as a Death Doula as an additional ministry for the community.

Professional Title: Rev. Patricia (Patti) LaRosa

Location: Rochester, NY

Ordained Deacon: 2010 | Ordained Priest: 2011

Community: Spiritus Christi Church

Meeting Format: In person

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Rev. Leahy received her MDiv from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry in 2017. She is also a certified spiritual director and group spiritual director. Professional endeavors include ministry with the homeless and acting for 2 years as Convener and Facilitator for the Mayor of Boston in the campaign to eradicate homelessness in the city. In 2023, Rev. Leahy planted a liturgical community in Cambridge, MA known as the Mary Magdalene Spirituality Center. Her three year tenure in building a progressive and inclusive community of faithful from all walks of life was a time of deep learning, solidarity and prayer. Last year (2025) Rev. Leahy moved fulltime to Martha’s Vineyard and is in the process of building another liturgical community there. Her primary ministry loves are preaching, administering the sacraments and sharing faith stories. Rev. Leahy is also a longtime member of Women’s Ordination Conference and contributes to its Liturgy committee at present. A highlight of her ordained life was her visit to St. Baux, France to spend time in contemplation in the cave of Mary Magdalene.

Professional Title: Rev. Mary Michael Leahy

Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA

Ordained Deacon: 2020 | Ordained Priest: 2021

Community Contact: newseeds28@gmail.com

Meeting Format: Both (in person and Zoom)

Website/Social: Instagram: @marymgdalenecenter

I am a retired Pastor of Good Shepherd Ministries of SW Florida. Our community remains in touch but no longer meets regularly. Our beloved co-pastor, Rev. Judith Beaumont went home to our loving God on 1/1/2018. I continue to counsel, share and write using my blog- judyabl.blog. My two more recent books are: The House on Sunny Street: A Tale of Two Brooklyns, PublishAmerica.com and, The Courage to Love and Serve: The Life Story of Rev. Judith Ann Beaumont, Outskirts Press. I have been a University Professor for almost thirty years serving at NYU, UConn and FGCU schools of social work. I especially enjoy my “foster” son Marley and his family. I am in a special relationship with a partner who lives out of state and we visit as much as possible. I care for several kitties and 3 dogs as one of my dear church members passed and left her pets here. Life is very full and l especially enjoy living on a beautiful little lake where nature abounds. Thanks be to God!

Professional Title: Rev. Judith Lee

Location: Fort Myers, FL

Ordained Deacon: 2007 | Ordained Priest: 2008

Website: judyabl.com

Email: judyabl8615@gmail.com

Community: Good Shepherd Ministries of SWFl

Where do you meet? Zoom

Eda Lorello was brought up in a devout home.  Her mother taught her prayer; her father taught her justice. She did not attend Catholic school but loved going to Mass. Seduced by the candles, incense, statues, music and the mumbled prayers of the priest in Latin, she knew early on that she wanted to be a priest. In her teen years, she had a devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. She acknowledges that Mary brought Jesus to birth in her. She attended a secular college where she was introduced to Thomas Merton”s autobiography “The Seven Storey Mountain” which confirmed her own call to priesthood. Merton has been a mentor for her ever since.

Eda has a MA in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y., a MS in Pastoral Counseling from Iona College, NYC. She is certified in Spiritual Direction, Music & Imagery and Mandala Assessment. She is also a Mid-Life/Long Life Directions Consultant and for 25 yrs. conducted workshops and retreats in Personal & Spiritual Growth in Mid-Life and Later Yrs. For 30 yrs. she worked professionally in parish ministry, in adult formation, peace & justice issues, Christian Parenting and updating Vatican II. She taught Theology & Christology in the Diocesan Formation Institute of Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Eda is a Reiki practitioner and since ordination has pastored an Inclusive Catholic Community in her home for 4 yrs until physical limitation caused her to bring it to a close. Eda is the mother of 5 sons & 2 daughters, grandmother of 9, (3 of whom are married) and the great grandmother of 2.

Professional Title: Rev. Eda Lorello

Ordained Priest: 2013

Jean Marie Marchant, M.Div., D.Min. was ordained to the priesthood on July 25, 2005, aboard a vessel on the St. Lawrence Seaway. In June 2019, she was consecrated a bishop, serving the Eastern Region of RCWP until August 2026. Jean holds a Master of Divinity degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

She is a retired Certified Chaplain and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose vocation has centered on pastoral care, spiritual direction, and accompanying people through life’s most profound transitions. In recent years, her primary ministry has been serving as bishop to her region, pastor to her faith community, and spiritual director to those seeking a companion on their spiritual journey.

Formerly the Director of Health Care Ministry for the Archdiocese of Boston, Jean’s ministry as an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement has further enriched her lifelong commitment to sacramental ministry, pastoral counseling, and spiritual care.

Over more than four decades of ministry, Jean has accompanied people facing a wide range of challenges, primarily as an interfaith hospice chaplain. She has ministered to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses; supported adults navigating spiritual and emotional struggles; and walked alongside countless families through grief and loss. Her years as chaplain at The Hospice at Mission Hill, a residence for people living with HIV/AIDS, deepened her understanding of the concerns and gifts of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and profoundly shaped her ministry of compassion and justice.

As a bereaved parent with a special place in her heart for grieving children, Jean co-founded The Children’s Room: A Center for Grieving Children and Teenagers, creating a lasting legacy of support for children and families experiencing the death of a loved one.

Jean is the mother of two adult daughters and grandmother of five. She is deeply committed to justice, inclusion, and empowering women and men in their search for wholeness and holiness. These commitments continue to inform her work as a spiritual director, pastor, chaplain and bishop.

Jean and her husband of 39 years, Rev. Dr. Ron Hindelang, serve as Co-Pastors of The Spirit of Life: A Catholic Community of Justice and Joy, an inclusive Eucharistic community that is open, affirming, interactive, and deeply committed to ensuring that all are truly welcome at the table. Visit us at: www.SpiritofLifeCommunity.org. Jean can be reached at: revjeanmarchant@gmail.com.

Professional Title: Rev. Jean Marchant (Bishop emeritus)

Location: Framingham, MA

Ordained Deacon: 2005 | Ordained Priest: 2005 | Bishop: 2019

Ordained a priest on June 4, 2011, I actively serve the Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in locations throughout the state of Maryland, and on Zoom, alongside several other remarkable womenpriests! Recently retired from full time work as a chaplain in hospice ministry. Previously worked in the fields of health, education and campus ministry on the high school and college level, with a BA in Human Services and an MA in Holistic Spirituality. In the immediate future I continue to offer Spiritual Direction and hope to become a doula, while enjoying 40 years of marriage with my husband, Craig.

Professional Title: Rev. Marellen Mayers

Ordained Deacon: 2010 | Ordained Priest: 2011

Karen Murphy holds a BA in Theology and Philosophy from the University of Scranton, a Jesuit institution, and an MA in Theological Research: Christian Spirituality from Andover Newton Theological School, the nation’s first graduate theological school. At Andover Newton, she was awarded the Gerald R. Cragg Commencement Award for outstanding achievement in Church History. Her master’s thesis explored the imagery of the blood of Christ in the Eucharistic theology of St. Catherine of Siena.

Karen’s spiritual life is rooted in the devotional Catholic faith nurtured in her by her mother, grandmothers, and aunts. Her spiritual practices include praying the Rosary, Centering Prayer—which she learned from her mother at a young age—and Ignatian spirituality, a gift from her undergraduate years that has informed her interior life ever since. Growing up, Karen often heard the prayer, “Lord, have mercy,” which she experienced as an abiding expression of her family’s deep trust in God.

Karen felt the call to priesthood during her seminary years. At the heart of her vocation is a conviction that the Eucharist is the sacrament of God’s radical welcome. A true theology of Eucharistic Justice must welcome all to the table of Jesus Christ, especially those whom the Church has sometimes deemed unworthy or “not in a state of grace.” Jesus broke bread with Judas. Jesus welcomed sinners, outcasts, and those whom respectable religion had pushed to the margins. That is our example.

Karen believes that there is no human condition that can place a person beyond the reach of God’s sanctifying grace. The Eucharistic table is not a reward for those who have achieved worthiness; it is the place where we encounter the God who loves us into wholeness. Her priesthood is, in part, an invitation to remember that we all belong at that table.

A Jesuit Volunteer Corps: NW alumna, Karen has served in a variety of volunteer capacities and has been actively involved in campus and parish life at many levels—as a choir member, lector, cantor, trainer, lecturer, retreat facilitator, and RCIA director. She continues to praise God through music, which remains an important part of her ministry.

Karen was ordained a deacon in 2019 and a priest in 2021. She serves on the pastoral team of Dignity Philadelphia, a community that has ministered to faithful LGBTQ Catholics for more than 50 years. She also serves on the RCWP-USA Board of Directors Circle as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer.

St. Ignatius, pray for us!
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
Mary Magdalene, pray for us!
Mary of Nazareth, mother of us all, pray for us!

Professional Title: Rev. Karen Marie Murphy, RCWP

Location: Exton, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2019 | Ordained Priest: 2021

Rev. Mary Murphy, M.Div., BCC was ordained a Roman Catholic Woman Priest on May 4, 2024. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and is a Board Certified Chaplain. Mary served as a chaplain resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and continued providing spiritual care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also worked as a spiritual counselor in addiction treatment settings.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mary’s educational journey took her from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop to Divinity school at Vanderbilt University. Her lifelong love of the arts includes writing poetry and studying visual arts. Since 2001, she has made her home in Nashville, Tennessee, where she and her husband, Doug, raised two children.

Mary is committed to creating inclusive, compassionate faith communities where all are welcome and where the Gospel call to justice, equality, and service can flourish.

Professional Title: Reverend and chaplain

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024

Community Contact: chaplainmarymurphy18@gmail.com

After several years of serving in a variety of parish ministries, Theresa answered the call to priesthood to minister to those who have become disillusioned with the Church but who still long to be fed spiritually. Her priestly ministry has included the celebration of weekend Masses as well as weddings and baptisms in settings not limited to a church building. Feeling especially called to offer comfort and presence to those whose loved ones have died, she officiates Catholic and spiritual funerals and celebrations of life for practicing and non-practicing Catholics, persons of other faith traditions, and those with no religious affiliation at all.

Theresa holds a Master of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry/Spirituality from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont as well as a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. Formerly Director of Development for New Hampshire Catholic Charities and an executive director of a chamber of commerce, she has held professional positions in the areas of communications, business development, and fundraising, and has worked extensively as a speech-language pathologist and consultant in educational and healthcare settings. A native of New Hampshire, she and her husband, Gary, reside in beautiful Mid-Coast Maine, where she welcomes invitations to celebrate Mass and the sacraments.

Professional Title: Rev. Theresa Novak Chabot

Location: Brunswick, ME

Ordained Deacon: 2009 | Ordained Priest: 2010

Ann Penick is originally from the Chicago area. She and her husband, Jim, live in Maryland near Washington, DC. They have been married for 25+ years. Ann has long been an active member of the Roman Catholic Church. She has done ministry volunteer work as a music minister, minister in sacred dance, retreat facilitator, a member of the liturgy team at various parishes where she’s been a member, and a member of welcoming and hospitality committees.

In 1993 Ann received a certification in lay ministry from the Diocese of Birmingham, in Alabama. In 1995 Ann received a Masters in Counseling degree from the University of Birmingham in Alabama. In 1997 she completed 3 units in CPE at Bon Secours/St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC. In 2008, Ann received her Masters in Pastoral Ministry degree from Boston College. Ann served as chaplain to college students from 1997-2008—with the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina and with the Archdiocese of Boston. She came face-to-face with her calling to the priesthood in 2005 at the WOW conference in Canada.

She has been supported in her journey to the priesthood by Jim, her step-daughter, Katie, her step-son, Mike, and her brother, Rob. Currently, Ann works as a mental health counselor at a Maryland community college. In her spare time Ann enjoys music, dance, travel, her granddaughter Meg, and their cat, Numbers.

Professional Title: Rev. Ann Penick

Location: Alexandria, VA

Ordained Deacon: 2010 | Ordained Priest: 2011

Maryrose Petrizzo is also an ordained Inter-faith Minister for over 13 years, who has served in Catholic parish ministry for more than 25 years. Her service has included youth and young adult ministry, retreat direction for youth and adults, and catechists’ instruction. Maryrose has served as Formation Director for Secular Franciscans, as a Certified Spiritual Director, and as a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®. She is an accomplished public speaker and an experienced “Master of Ceremonies.” Maryrose has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Care & Counseling and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Ministry. For the last 12 years, Maryrose has been actively participating and serving in an Intentional Catholic Community in Wilmington Delaware, Palmyra, NJ and serves as a presider for Dignity Philadelphia. In addition, Maryrose creates and officiates custom ceremonies for those who do not have a church affiliation or are not welcome in a church, and she has specialized in same-sex weddings and civil unions. Maryrose can be reached at Maryrosepetrizzo@gmail.com.

Professional Title: Reverend

Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA

Ordained Deacon: 2013 | Ordained Priest: 2014

Community: New Jerusalem Community

Community Contact: maryrosepetrizzo@gmail.com

Meeting Format: Both (in person and Zoom)

Chava Redonnet has been the pastor of Oscar Romero Inclusive Catholic Church since 2010. She also works as a nursing home and hospital chaplain. A graduate of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, she is the author of Standing in the Light, an account of the 1998 upheaval at Corpus Christi and the formation of Spiritus, and of Don’t Forget to Breathe Glory, and Bound in a River of Light. Chava has three grown daughters, Clare, Bridget and Emily, two of whom are now living in Rochester, much to her delight.

Professional Title: Rev. Chava Redonnet

Location: Rochester, NY

Ordained Deacon: 2009 | Ordained Priest: 2010

Marilyn E. Rondeau, Ed.D., is a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts. After college, she moved to Maryland where she spent her career in teaching and administration in parochial and public schools. In addition, she served as director of Administrative I programs for 19 years on the university level.

She felt the “tug, tug, tug” toward priesthood from a very early age. When she was introduced to Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in Baltimore, she knew that her inner voice drawing her toward priestly ministry had found a home. Marilyn received her Ed.D. and M.S. in Urban Educational Leadership from Morgan State University, a M.Th. from Global Ministries University, a B.A. in History from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education with a concentration in Guidance and Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. In ministry, she uses her service-oriented background to foster social justice that benefits the disenfranchised. Marilyn can be reached at docrondeau@aol.com

Professional Title: Rev. Marilyn Rondeau

Location: Eldersburg, MD

Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2017 | Bishop: 2026

Susan M. Schessler holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Providence College in Rhode Island. She is a New Jersey Certified teacher in the areas of Elementary Education and English. Susan taught elementary grades in New Jersey and Alabama before becoming the first Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Newark NJ. As DRE she ministered in two parishes and was on the Staff of the Religious Education Center in the Archdiocese of Newark, when Youth Ministry was introduced after Vatican Council II. She also served as liaison to the Directors of Religious Education in the Archdiocese. 

While residing and participating in the work of Genesis Farm in Blairstown NJ, Susan served on the staff of the Northeast Center for Youth Ministry housed in Paterson, NJ. Realizing the call to serve the poor in the inner-city of Newark NJ, Susan served as principal of an alternative junior high school founded and sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, NJ. On leaving parish ministry Susan took a position with the public school system in East Orange NJ serving as mentor to over 25 alternate route teachers. 

At the closing of that position Susan retired and now serves the people of Newark, NJ as a volunteer Director of Development with Future Potential Youth Out Cry Foundation Inc./The H.U.B.B. (Help Us Become Better) an organization that strives to help youth and adults achieve their God-given potential.  Susan’s call to priesthood is about oneness with God, celebration and service.

Professional Title: Rev. Susan Schessler

Location: Nazareth, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015

Kathleen Gibbons Schuck’s energy is grounded in wholehearted living and inter-spirituality. She is a member of the pastoral team at the community of St. Mary Magdalene in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey (www.smmcommunity.org). As a natural connector, Kathy’s perspective is colored by her diverse experiences in corporate telecommunications sales and training; building relationships and raising funds for an international faith-based organization; and coaching individuals and teams. Kathy facilitates workshops and partners with people to accelerate identifying and achieving their goals. Kathy enjoys officiating and creating custom ceremonies to celebrate life’s transitions (anniversaries, anointings, baptisms, burials, funerals, memorial services, and weddings www.withyouinjoy.com). Kathy holds a Masters of Theology from Global Ministries University and a Bachelors in Science in Sociology from Rosemont College. She is an International Coach Federation Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Kathy lives in Blue Bell, PA, with her husband, Stan, and her daughter, Ann. 

Professional Title: Rev. Kathleen Gibbons Schuck

Location: Blue Bell, PA

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015

Wendi Steinberg is an ordained Roman Catholic Woman Priest (2024) and is active in Compassion Circle through preaching and shared spiritual leadership. Her ministry reflects an inclusive vision of church that honors the dignity and voice of all people.

A board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and an ACPE Certified Educator, Wendi serves as Director of Spiritual Care at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia. She brings over two decades of experience in spiritual care, ministry formation, and ethical leadership, and serves as Health System Chair of both the Ethics Committee and the Institutional Review Board for Research.

Wendi’s ministry extends beyond institutional settings through relational presence and compassionate service. She volunteers with her certified therapy dog, Stella—a cancer survivor—visiting cancer patients at the Trauma Center on her days off.

Inspired by Thomas Berry’s vision of the universe as a sacred community of subjects, her vocation is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and reverence for the unfolding cosmos, honoring the interdependence of all beings.

Professional Title: Rev. Wendi Steinberg

Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024

Mary Steinmetz earned a Master of Arts degree in Holistic Spirituality from Chestnut Hill College and a Master of Theological Studies degree in Historical/Systematic theology from Boston College. She is particularly interested in the place where theology and spirituality intersect; the place where faith is lived out and the Spirit is found provoking, challenging, energizing and bringing new life.

Mary has served as a chaplain, teacher, conference planner, admissions director and administrative professional in higher education. She is a level II Reiki practitioner. Mary currently lives in Chalfont, Pennsylvania and is a single parent and the proud mother of one amazing adult daughter. She was called forth into ministry by the Spirit of Life: A Catholic Community of Justice and Joy in Weston, MA and now worships with the St. Mary Magdalene Community in Drexel Hill, PA.

Professional Title: Rev. Mary Steinmetz

Location: Framingham, MA

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015

Gabriella Velardi Ward, B.F.A, A.A.S, B.Arch, M.Theo coursework– Gabriella has felt a call to the Roman Catholic Priesthood since the age of five. The institutional church’s rejection, based on gender, has led her to work in a number of non-traditional fields for women as well as in many areas of social justice. After her recent retirement from architecture, in addition to pastoring the St Praxedis Catholic Community, she is currently leading an environmental justice community, working to protect our wetland from destruction by a developer. In the early part of 2021 we lost our court case to protect 18 acres of wetland from being turned into a very large stripmall, increasing flooding dangers. In the summer of 2021 the trees were cut down and the spongy soil of the wetland was compacted along with the small animals living in that soil. On September 1st of 2021 we in Graniteville were flooded for the first time ever. We are now working to save 325 acres of wetland on Staten Island. Our website, SICWF.org tells a fuller story. 

Gabriella has over twelve years of parish ministry including adult religious education, spiritual direction, organizing and leading retreats, teaching meditation and contemplative prayer. Her call also led her to explore vowed religious life, studying and spending time with the Cenacle sisters. She has explored other faith traditions including the Episcopal Church, Buddhism and Native American spirituality. Her love of learning has led her to study theology in the seminary and the continuing study, formally and informally, of theology, spirituality and psychology. She has been a justice advocate for women’s rights, animal rights, children’s rights, and the rights of the natural world. As a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, her ministries also include sacramental ministry and a Spiritual Direction ministry, specializing in survivors of child abuse. She is the mother of two and the grandmother of eight.

Professional Title: Rev. Gabriella Velardi-Ward

Location: New York, NY

Ordained Deacon: 2007 | Ordained Priest: 2008

Ann Ralston was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1936, and has lived there most of her life. She joined the Pallottine Sisters in 1962, and in the late 70’s completed her medical degree, going on to work in State clinics during the years of apartheid. Ann also taught in an adult education night school in one of South Africa’s black townships.

Over the years, she has served as a spiritual companion to many. Ann has always enjoyed hiking in South Africa’s mountains and coastland, and has deep love for South Africa’s plants, animals and birds.  Now retired from her medical practice, she lives in a cottage with a small garden and a view direct on to mountains. Ann will serve in priestly ministry with Rev. Mary Ryan, another RCWP priest in South Africa. They are both in discernment with a small faith community as to how to move forward, and what ministries will open up to Ann.

Professional Title: Rev. Ann Ralston

Location: Somerset West, ZA

Ordained Priest: 2016

Sarah Rule grew up in a Jewish family in South Africa, attending Hebrew School for religious education until the age of 11. At the same time her parents sent her to a Catholic primary and then high school for her academic education. She formally converted to Christianity in the Anglican Church as a late teenager. She was involved in the anti-Apartheid struggle with a particular emphasis on the Church as a site of struggle. Sarah played a variety of roles in the Anglican Church including preaching, running children’s ministry, lay minister and church warden.

Moving to the Western Cape three years ago, Sarah and her husband joined the Open Table communities in Cape Town (led by RCWP Mary Ryan) and Somerset West (led by RCWP Ann Ralston) and with mentoring and guidance from Mary and Ann, Sarah has found a home for her call to ordained ministry in the RCWP movement.

As deacon, Sarah will continue to assist in the Open Table communities in Cape Town and Somerset West. She is beginning to form an Open Table community in Stellenbosch where she lives in an eco village. Sarah has worked in the field of disability rights and community based rehabilitation for 30 years. She initially trained as a speech therapist and audiologist. She has a PhD in community based rehabilitation and she is currently completing a Masters in Theology. 

Professional Title: Rev. Sarah Rule

Location: Stellenbosch, ZA

Ordained Deacon: 2020 | Ordained Priest: 2021

Uschi Schäfer was born and raised in Germany, where she went on to earn a Master’s degree in Theology from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. For twenty-three years she made her home in Johannesburg together with her husband, Peter, and their three sons, Stephan, Max and Georg, before the family eventually returned to Germany, settling in Grafing, a small town on the outskirts of Munich.

Her years in South Africa left an enduring mark on her. Witnessing at first hand the country’s remarkable transition into a democratic society shaped her outlook in profound and lasting ways. Drawing on the many examples of courageous civil disobedience found in both German and South African history, she found the foundation for answering her own call to priesthood within the Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) movement.

At the heart of Uschi’s vocation is her work as an end-of-life companion. She devotes herself to accompanying the dying and supporting their loved ones, offering her presence and care both in people’s homes and on the palliative care unit.

She feels an equally deep calling toward those who stand at a distance from the churches, or who have been disappointed or wounded by them. For these people in particular she offers Catholic and spiritual funerals and wedding ceremonies open to all, warmly welcoming persons of other faith traditions as well as those with no religious affiliation at all.

Uschi is also committed to nurturing a women’s spirituality, one in which women’s experiences and intuitions may be freely expressed and truly find a home. To this end, she seeks out a language rich enough to convey the mystery of God in all its many layers and living vibrancy, a language that ultimately can open the way to freedom.

Today, while she continues the work of establishing a community of pilgrims on the Way in Germany, she also supports Sarah Rule from afar, co-pastoring online the Open Table Community in Cape Town, the very community in which she was ordained.

Professional Title: Rev. Uschi Schafer

Location: Grafing, DE / Johannesburg, ZA

Ordained Deacon: 2025 | Ordained Priest: 2025

I find great joy in serving as priest and co-pastor, together with Dianne Willman, for the Ru’ha Faith Community. This inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant community is my focus and the heart of my ministry.

Within RCWP–South Africa, I serve as the Public Officer for our nonprofit organization, where I represent the organisation for tax purposes.

In my local Cape Town community, I volunteer as a Trauma Volunteer with the Community Intervention Centre, offering support to those in crisis. Beyond my ministry and volunteer work, my grandchildren and family are a constant source of delight and relaxation.

Professional Title: Reverend

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Ordained Deacon: 2025 | Ordained Priest: 2025

Community: Ru’ha Faith Community

Community Contact: ruhacommunity@gmail.com

Meeting Format: Zoom

Dianne Willman has felt called by God to serve as priest since childhood. She was ordained in January 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Catholic since birth, Dianne has actively been engaged in her faith life and is drawn to a ministry on the margins especially by sharing the Eucharist in a contemplative inclusive way. Dianne is also a South African lawyer. She has a strong sense of justice and as a prosecutor feels she can speak for victims of crime. As a trainer, she empowers prosecutors from all over Africa. Dianne holds a masters degree in law and a masters in philosophy (theology). Dianne facilitates reflection days and accompanies others in spiritual direction. She and Rev Maryanne von Essen co-pastor a growing international community intentionally named Ru’ha which is the Aramaic name for Spirit and has a feminine root in Aramaic.

Professional Title: Advocate

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Ordained Deacon: 2018 | Ordained Priest: 2019

Community: Ru’ha Faith Community

Community Contact: ruhacommunity@gmail.com

Meeting Format: Zoom and In-Person

Judith Bautista Fajardo is a poet and singer and much of her music and poetry is inspired by scripture, as well as her understanding of the role of spirit in human development. She is Licensed in Philosophy and Letters through the University of Saint Thomas, and she has studied Theology, Biblical Scripture and Spirituality. Her Ph.D. is in Education, focusing on affective processes and transpersonal psychology. Since 1987 Judith has taught scripture studies and done pastoral ministry with women and youth.

Currently, she is offering psychotherapeutic and spiritual direction, while she remains engaged in artistic creation. Some of Judith’s publications as writer and composer include: Destellos de Tormenta Azul- Poetry, 2012; Desacostembrame, 2009; Como Espada de Dos Filos, 2002. And she has worked collaboratively as well: Minga de la Esperanza, 2012; Palabras para el Encuentro, 2011, Mesa de Fraternidad, 2005; Las 7 Palabras de Jesus en la cruz, 2000; Celebremos en el Espiritu-Misa de Pentecostas,1998 Con Toda la gente, Cantos para la Iglesia Joven de America Latina, 1993; Que Chevere es Dios, Novena de Navidad Para Ninos, 1993.You can communicate with Judith by mail: senda.interior@gmail.com

Professional Title: Rev. Judith Bautista Fajardo

Location: Bogotá, CO

Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2014

Maria Elena Sierra Sanchez has given life-long service to the young, the elderly, and poor and indigenous populations. She was a religious Sister with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul from 1983-1996 when she left to assist her family.

Her formal degrees (her Licentiate) are in Primary Education. She also has a recent advanced degree in educational computer technology and additional studies in working with youth, social services, and educational administration. She has done extensive mission work in the poorest communities, rural and urban. In 2007, she also was ordained as a priest in the Fraternidad Eucaristica de Jesus, a movement founded by former Salesian RC priests in the Apostolic Catholic tradition. She received theological training and religious formation from the founders of this Community who are accepted theologians and teachers in the progressive Catholic Community.

She began her journey with RCWP in 2013 and was ordained a priest in 2017. She continues with her ministry in her community serving 40-50 community members and meeting regularly with groups for prayer services at their homes. As a Head Teacher in a primary school, she is on the front lines in the violence experienced in her poor community. Her way is to live and teach love and peace. Her school is a haven. Beyond teaching she is accepted by the children and their parents as the Pastor they turn to at school and in their lives. As an ordained RCWP priest she serves her school community, her home community and several poor and indigenous communities in Cali, Colombia.

Professional Title: Rev. Maria Elena Sierra Sanchez

Location: Cali, CO

Ordained Deacon: 2017 | Ordained Priest: 2017